Q. My sewer is backing up, who should I call first?
We are available 24 hours a day by calling 843-795-2345. Customers experiencing sewer problems who hire a plumber to investigate the source of the problem will be solely responsible for payment of the hired plumber’s services regardless of the location of the problem. The JIPSD shall not assume any responsibility to reimburse the customer for services of a privately-retained plumber
Q. There is a sewer odor in my home, what should I do?
We are available 24 hours a day by calling 843-795-2345. We can send a field technician out to verify there is no damage or blockage to our wastewater main by checking manholes and access points. You can find more information here about other potential sources of odor in the home if no problem is found with the JIPSD wastewater main
Q. I am a new wastewater customer – What must I do?
If wastewater service is being installed in your neighborhood, the JIPSD will keep you informed throughout the project, until the project is complete, by mailing project updates and hookup requirements. You can also visit our Wastewater Services page for information on current projects.
For new residential customers, you must apply for new service by requesting a Wastewater Sewer Availability Request Form. Simply complete the form and submit it to us. A response will be mailed or e-mailed to you within 72 hours. If you are moving into a house or apartment that already has wastewater service, you need to call our Customer Service Department and get the account put in your name.
Commercial Developers should contact the Wastewater Department at 843-762-5258 to find out more information regarding installation of a new wastewater system.
Q. I am building a new house on James Island. How do I find out if water and/or sewer service is available at my property?
Water service is provided through Charleston Water System and you can contact them at 843-727-4700 or visit their website.
For sewer service availability, please complete a Wastewater Sewer Availability Request Form and return it via e-mail or fax as listed on the form. A written response will be e-mailed or mailed to you within three business days letting you know if sewer is available or not and what steps are required to connect to public sewer.
Developers should contact the Wastewater Department at 843-762-5258 to find out more about installing a new wastewater system.
Q. What are the tap and impact fees for new sewer service?
Please call Customer Service at 843-795-9060.
Q.I have a question about my bill. Who can I call?
Billing questions can be answered by Customer Service at 843-795-9060 or you can stop by our office at 1739 Signal Point Road, James Island, between 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday – Thursday. We accept VISA/MC, American Express, Check and Cash.
You can also view and pay your account online by registering on our website. To use this service, you will need your account number and last payment amount. If this is your first bill and you have not made a payment, the last payment amount will be $0.00. Your account number is on your bill and will appear in this format: “ABC1-001234-0000-01”.
Q. Can I get a leak adjustment?
Leak adjustments will only be considered for underground system leaks upon proof of repair by a licensed plumber. Customers are eligible for 1 leak adjustment per calendar year. The adjustment is based upon the average of 6 months not including the leak period. Adjustments can be done once the JIPSD can confirm that the leak has been repaired and consumption returns to normal usage. The adjustment is only on the highest bill during the leak period.
Q. How do I get a copy of a Fire Report?
Call the On-Duty Battalion Chief at 843-270-1583.
Q. I have a new business and need a Fire Inspection, how may I do that?
Call the On-Duty Battalion Chief at 843-270-1583.
Q. I would like to have a smoke detector installed or have a courtesy home safety inspection completed, how may I do that?
Call the On-Duty Battalion Chief at 843-270-1583.
Q. Do you provide Fire Trucks for special events, such as school visits or birthdays?
Yes we do, we will be happy to provide a fire truck or bring our Fire/Weather Safety Trailer to your event. Please call the On-Duty Battalion Chief at 843-270-1583 to schedule the event.
Q. I would like to burn something in my yard, is that legal?
Yes, if you live in the County or Town of James Island, but only yard debris such as leaves, small limbs, or stumps. Items such as household garbage, construction debris, tires, plastics, or other such materials are not legal to burn. Keep in mind that if you live in the City of Charleston or Folly Beach it is not legal to burn. Please call the US Forestry for Yard Debris Burning Notification at – 1-800-986-3593 and follow the prompts on the message.
Q. How to I obtain a rolling cart?
If you are moving into an existing home, you should have a rolling cart at the property. If you do not have one, please call 843-762-5260 to request a rolling cart.
Q. Can I exchange the size of my rolling cart?
Yes you may. Just contact our Solid Waste Department at 843-762-5260 to make arrangements. A record of assigned rolling carts is maintained to ensure against loss.
Available sizes:
- 96-gallons will hold approximately 8-10 bags of garbage (Recommended)
- 64-gallons will hold approximately 4-7 bags of garbage
- 32-gallons will hold approximately 2-5 bags of garbage
Q. Can I request an additional rolling cart?
Yes, we can provide up to three rolling carts for each residence. A rolling cart can be ordered by calling the Solid Waste Department at 843-762-5260. Delivery may take several days and the price is based on size.
Q. What time does the truck come by my house?
We do not have a set time. Your rolling cart and debris should be at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day. Even if we come by your house every day at the same time, we may have to occasionally switch route drivers which may cause a shift in pick-up times.
Q. I think the truck missed my collection – what do I do?
Please contact the Solid Waste Department at 843-762-5260. There are many reasons why we may have not made a collection! We may have been by early and your rolling cart was not out. You may have had non-collectable debris. We may have had a route change that missed you by accident!
Q. What is the holiday garbage and yard debris pick-up schedule?
During the holiday week, your collection generally occurs one day later than your regular day.
Q. Where should I place my rolling cart on my scheduled day of pick-up?
Place rolling carts within two feet of the curb with handle facing away from curb and at least three feet from any obstructions such as vehicles, mailboxes, recycling containers, trees, etc. Garbage should be placed no earlier than 6:00 PM the day before scheduled pick-up and yard debris shall not be placed earlier than two days before scheduled pickup. Rolling carts must be removed as soon as possible after pickup, but no later than 6:00 PM on the scheduled pickup days.
Q. How should I fill my rolling cart?
To properly fill your rolling cart, please follow these guidelines:
- Drain and wrap or bag wet garbage.
- Nothing should stick out of the top or hang over the sides of the rolling cart.
- The lid of your rolling cart should close.
- Don’t place objects on top of closed lids or in front of rolling carts.
No household garbage may be placed with yard debris for pick-up.
Q. My rolling cart is broken – what do I do?
Contact our Solid Waste Department at 843-762-5260. We can repair a JIPSD owned rolling cart with new wheels and lids. *Please note we do not provide cleaning services for smelly rolling carts. Rolling carts should be cleaned with soap and water by the homeowner. Please put the wash water onto a dirt or grass area – but do not pour it down the storm drain (storm drains flow to the marsh or your neighborhood pond).
Q. My rolling cart was vandalized or stolen. What do I need to do?
If your rolling cart is missing, please check with your neighbors first to see if they grabbed it by accident. If it does not turn up, contact the Solid Waste Department at 843-762-5260 to make a report. A temporary rolling cart will be issued while the JIPSD works with the police to investigate the theft.
To order a replacement rolling cart, or to report repair/ service needs due to vandalism or graffiti, please call the Solid Waste Department at 843-762-5260. When calling for service, please give the service address, telephone number and your name. Please empty and wash out the damaged rolling carts and place them at the curb on the scheduled day of repair.
Q. How do I dispose of syringes or other sharp items (i.e. – sharps)?
Sharp items or sharps are any discarded article that may compromise intact skin by causing punctures or cuts, including but not limited to, needles, syringes, Pasteur pipettes, lancets, broken glass, razor blades and scalpel blades. Sharps shall be disposed of in accordance with South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s (SCDHEC) recommended procedures for syringe and sharp disposal.
Q. What should I do with old electronics such as computers, TVs and microwaves?
Electronic equipment should not be thrown out with the garbage, as it contains hazardous components which should not be burned or put in a landfill. Please recycle these items by dropping them off at the Charleston County recycling center located in James Island on Signal Point Road. Electronic devices include CPUs, monitors, keyboards, plotters, printers, floppy drives, interfaces, CD ROMs, televisions, stereos, radios, VCRs, camcorders, microwaves, telephones, power supplies, hard drives, tape drives, and other miscellaneous electronics.
Q. How should I prepare my yard debris for collection?
Please prepare yard debris the following ways:
- All leaves, twigs, weeds, pine cones and grass clippings shall be placed in brown paper bags designed for the purpose of leaf and clippings disposal and placed at the curb. It is the responsibility of the resident to provide the necessary bags. Loose leaves and grass placed at the curb in piles will not be collected.
- No household garbage may be placed with yard debris for pick-up.
- Tree limbs should be cut less than 6′ in length. Piles should be placed neat and parallel with the road no larger than 4′ in height x 5′ in width x 15′ in length.
Q. What do I do with bulky items?
Bulky items will be collected on the same day as yard debris. There is a limit of 2 bulk items, or 1 claw scoop of materials generated by the homeowner per week (equivalent to about
what would fit in a standard 96-gallon roll cart). Boards or lumber should be no more than 6′ in length and nails need to be bent downward. Loose/small items such as tile, sheet rock, wood scraps, etc. must be broken up and placed in heavy duty bags. Place windows, mirrors, etc. separately and tape glass in an X pattern to help prevent shattering. Bulk/excess cardboard will not be collected.
Q. Does JIPSD provide recycling services?
No, JIPSD does not provide recycling services but we strongly encourage all of our residents and businesses to recycle. Recycling is provided by Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department. Please contact them at 843-720-7111 for more information.
Q. Who is responsible for hauling off contractors’ debris?
The contractor or homeowner is responsible. No materials generated by contractors or landscapers shall be collected by JIPSD.
Q. How can I apply for a job at the JIPSD?
Applications can only be accepted for open positions. Open positions are posted on our website under the Employment section or you can drop by our Administration Office located at 1739 Signal Point Road, James Island, between 7:30 AM and 5:30 PM and view the positions bulletin posted in the lobby. You can submit your application by mail, fax or hand delivery before 5:00 PM on the day the position closes. Applications received after 5:00 PM will not be accepted. Resumes are not accepted but may be attached to the application.
Q. What is the hiring process?
Once a position closes, all qualified applications are reviewed by the hiring department. The hiring department or Human Resources will then contact the top qualified applicants and schedule an interview. Once the interviews have been completed, the hiring department will select the top candidate for the position.
Q. If I apply for one position will I be considered for any other open positions that I’m qualified for?
No. If you would like to be considered for more than one position, you must complete a separate application for each position you are applying for.
Q. How can I get on the bidder’s list for products and services?
Please mail or e-mail an introduction letter to our Joanne Tucker, Administration Manager, indicating what type of services or products you offer and request that you be placed on our bidder’s list. If you have previously bid on a project or product, you are automatically placed on our bidder’s list. For more information on procurement, please review our Procurement Policy.